Natalya Hanshaw is the Lead Guide in the Upper Elementary classroom at CMS. She brings a rich cultural background, a deep love for the fine arts, and a strong commitment to Montessori education. Originally from Jamaica, Natalya joined the CMS community in 2022 and quickly became a valued member of the teaching team.
Natalya holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Alcorn State University in Mississippi, where she showcased her musical talents at national and international competitions and conferences. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Music Performance and Pedagogy from Marshall University, where she also served as an Adjunct Instructor of Music.
Her interest in the Montessori approach led her to earn a Montessori Assistant Certification, and she is on track to complete her AMS Elementary (6–12) Certification through the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative (METTC) in Lexington, MA this year.
Outside of the classroom, Natalya enjoys life with her husband, Isaac, a native of West Virginia. Together, they enjoy video games, competition shows, and the occasional indulgence in retail therapy. In her downtime, you’ll often find her reading—or catching up on some much-deserved